"It's important for this kind of business I want to develop. I'm a third-generation Stamford resident," said Ciuffo, 50, who was working in New York City for an independent specialty pharmacy before coming to the Stillwater Avenue location, where he shares space with a medical equipment rental company.

Ciuffo, who has college degrees in pharmacy and law, said the site is ideally located near Stamford Hospital and in a neighborhood where there is a need for a pharmacy.

"I wanted to open a more traditional pharmacy, where you're part of the community," said Ciuffo, whose focus is on providing pharmacy needs, not all the other retail items found in a chain-owned pharmacy. "The West Side of Stamford is one of those neighborhoods where people still do a lot of walking."

There is always some trepidation when opening a business, Ciuffo said, but he voiced confidence in his work experience and the business plan he has developed.

Customers "can get their medicine at the same time they get their equipment or something like their insulin test strips," said Fletcher, who sells mobility equipment, home medical items, home oxygen and respiratory equipment and other home health products at his stores in Stamford, Derby, Monroe and Stratford. "Being right next door to the hospital has been a home run for us."

"This is the ripple effect that takes place when there is a major project in town," Condlin said, commenting that opening an independent pharmacy is rare in today's economy. "Nowadays, small pharmacies are closing, and the chain takes over."

Sharing space with a business like Liberty Rehab is a good strategy, he said.

Cornerstone Pharmacy is located at 65 Stillwater Ave. in Stamford. Tel: 203-324-0251; Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sundays and holidays.